Netflix Eyes ABC Drama Series 'The River'

EXCLUSIVE: Netflix, already in talks with 20th Century Fox TV about possibly picking up recently canceled Fox series Terra Nova, may also be eying another freshman drama facing cancellation: ABC’s The River. I’ve learned that the streaming giant has had conversations with The River producer ABC Studios about the possibility of continuing the thriller/horror series on Netflix. Sources stress that the talks are exploratory at this point in the context of a larger conversation between ABC Studios and Netflix. The River never got traction on ABC, finishing its midseason run with a 1.4 18-49 rating for its finale Tuesday. But it is the type of show — a heavily serialized genre series — that works well on streaming services like Netflix. The River‘s Live+7 ratings bump, 36% vs. Live+Same Day according to the most recent available data, is solid though not as high as that ofTerra Nova (44%), which also was higher-rated overall. DVR ratings are indicative of how many viewers prefer to “stream” a show on their own timetable instead of watching it the night it airs. Unlike Terra Nova, The River has not been officially canceled by ABC, though that is considered a foregone conclusion. Also, since the series is produced by ABC’s own production arm, the network probably won’t stand in the way of a deal that would make money for its sister studio.

69 Comments

I hear Netflix is also in conversations to pick up Firefly, Veronica Mars, Deadwood and (shocker) I Hate My Teenage Daughter. So… yeah.

Elia • on Mar 22, 2012 7:27 am

And here I thought Netflix was going to be more original. Welcome to mediocrity, Netflix!

jared • on Mar 22, 2012 9:28 am

Not to malign your post in anyway, but it seems to me this is a perfect series for netflix. It has a built in audience base that will come if they don’t already have netflix, and might stay if they can’t get the content in another place. Cool thing about a service like netflix is there are no time slots to worry about. So if they pick up 100k subscribers because of it and keep a million it pays for itself particularly if they adopt a HULU model for some of their content that has a brought to you commercial fore and aft the program. We might as well face facts that they’ll one day go that direction anyway. I am curious as to why you think this would be a bad thing from a business model or content perspective?

Elia • on Mar 22, 2012 10:15 am

The business model you stated is the same business model to make GREEN LATERN and JOHN CARTER. Established audience, right? But the content created was mediocre, at best. RIVER and TERRA is mediocre and that’s being very generous. That’s why the shows were cancelled. For me, Netflix was a new original business model that worked and when Netflix decided to go into TV series, they did something even more original. They not only bought David Fincher’s series, but bought it to make 2 seasons of it. THAT’S ORIGINAL. BOLD. BRAVE. That sets the bar for others to follow (which you seem to agree with). But for Netflix to pick up the failed series of networks brings Netflix down several rungs. It makes them UN-original when their very foundation is originality, breaking new ground. With the money Netflix has, they should continue creating (or buying) original shows with new creators.

scifi_fan • on Mar 22, 2012 12:42 pm

Ideally, Netflix should think about becoming the place where you can get “TV” that you’d never see on cable or broadcast. They should set their sights to go beyond even HBO, not settle on being sub-ABC or NBC. By going beyond, I don’t mean quality (although they shouldn’t settle for worse quality) but in terms of appealing to ultra-niches that appeal to very loyal audiences.

Even Fincher’s series isn’t what they should settle for. I’d expect to see that on HBO or Showtime. I can already get their content, so what is Netflix offering me that others don’t offer?

It’ll take time to get there. Right now, Netflix can be content to “only” offer what HBO or AMC might. But not NBC or ABC! Hasn’t Netflix noticed how they’re struggling to survive? Why fall all over yourself to get into a dying business?

scifi_fan • on Mar 22, 2012 12:37 pm

Dear God. The River is even worse than Terra Nova. They both deserve to DIE! Let them DIE! They are terrible TV!

Netflix is trying to change their business and that involves rebranding. Because the studios won’t play ball, they’re no longer the place where people go to get everything they want as “everything” switches from DVD to streaming.

So now they need to produce content, and rebrand themselves that way. They’ve expressed the desire to be seen as a competitor to HBO. How can you do that if you’ve become the home of rejected broadcast crap? They’re not positioning themselves as equal to premium cable, or basic cable, or even broadcast. They’re below broadcast, maybe a bit above YouTube (without the advantage that YouTube has, of not having to pay to develop content).

They REALLY need to think hard about what they are doing to their brand image. They’ve already gone through a PR disaster and now they are setting themselves for a branding disaster. Maybe they should rename themselves Titanix.

thomas • on Apr 20, 2012 8:43 am

Man, I just finished watching the whole series, and you are dead wrong. That show is GREAT!

Midori • on Mar 22, 2012 7:32 am

Why Netflix?

There are so many shows to look at to bring back from the dead and you look at this trash?

The only show rumored to have been looking at Netflix that I think would be worth it and fits would have Chicago Code.

Elia • on Mar 22, 2012 8:02 am

Why does Netflix need to resurrect anything? HOW ABOUT SOMETHING ORIGINAL?!?!

Ardi Gra • on Mar 22, 2012 7:33 am

Yes Please

Brad • on Mar 22, 2012 7:38 am

So nearly ever show will be “eyed” for Netflix? I Hate my Teenager Daughter might get lucky!!!!

You're Outta There! • on Mar 22, 2012 7:54 am

Please fire the writing staff. Such a piss poor job.

nyguy • on Mar 22, 2012 9:47 am

I couldn’t get past the camera work, it might be ok for a one-shot like a film but watching that camera work every week on a series got very old for me and I gave up on it.

Tune Yards • on Mar 22, 2012 10:08 am

I concur. It also looked cheap. All that money and it wasn’t on screen.

Casa De Mi Padre • on Mar 22, 2012 11:05 am

I’d come back if they brought on some new blood.

wg • on Mar 22, 2012 7:55 am

How did Netflix suddenly become my network of choice? The only two new shows I stuck with for their entire runs this season – Terra Nova and The River – the only two I want to see come back – and Netflix is my only hope?! Wow.

brian • on Mar 22, 2012 9:29 am

I agree! I LOVED The River! Great show? No. Guilty pleasure? Yes.

1337n00b • on Mar 22, 2012 8:13 pm

I agree, it seems all the shows I actually like get cancelled. I can’t pay for Netflix, that’s bull shit. I want the River on my TV gosh darnit.

kelly • on Apr 6, 2012 10:10 am

I agree! I love all the cop shows but come on, That is all that is on now is some sort of Cop show! Different Cop same story! I like the originality of Tera Nova and The River! Something completely different! I like that!

Wolf • on Mar 22, 2012 7:56 am

While their at it they can pick up Rubicon, Legend of the Seeker, Farscape, Nikita and a new Stargate spinoff. LOL.

Netsinks My BattleCrips • on Mar 22, 2012 8:36 am

Not Rubicon — that was really mishandled too. For the better version check out Homeland.

DarkSidePanda • on Mar 22, 2012 8:47 am

You laugh but those shows would all fit very nicely

scifi_fan • on Mar 22, 2012 12:47 pm

Yes, those shows are the sort of ultra-niche/fanatical audience type of programming that Netflix should be going for instead. Revive old shows, make new ones, but ultra-niche should be their guiding philosophy.

Space fantasy, spy fantasy, elaborate conspiracy, high fantasy – those are some of the chief genres that they should be looking at. (Horror, too – Hemlock Grove is much more the right idea than picking up broadcast rejects.) Give us shows that we can’t get anywhere on broadcast or cable.

Jake Bloo • on Mar 22, 2012 9:05 am

Rubicon would be a good choice for them.

Recast? • on Mar 22, 2012 8:04 am

Last night’s “finale” featured some of the worst acting I’ve ever seen on TV.

Magilla • on Mar 22, 2012 8:19 am

I’m scratching my head on this one. Is there some passionate following for THE RIVER? If its living ratings are bad while DVR+ ratings are merely “solid,” then what is giving Netflix the idea that this show could be worth it?

jennifer • on Mar 22, 2012 8:23 am

I suppose Netflix will also be picking up Dollhouse, The Sarah Connor Chronicles,Heroes,Human Target,Lie To Me, & Invasion as well. Seriously though-there are reasons Terra Nova was cancelled & reasons why The River will be cancelled. If Netflix picked up either program-those reasons would become glaringly apparent to them. Thank you.

Michael • on Mar 22, 2012 8:24 am

Would someone please take the CEO of Netlfix out to a field and kick his ass? How many bad choices can you make in a year? The River was a miserable, ridiculous show with no likable characters, shoddy effects, and a crappy premise. Listen, if they really want to throw their money away I have plenty of uses for it. Send me a check. In the meantime, they should spend their efforts trying to get their on-demand service catalog filled with movies people want to watch.

INterested Observer • on Mar 22, 2012 8:34 am

I’d much prefer Netflix pick up a busted cable pilot like POWERS or BLOOD AND CHROME that never saw the light of day than either of these two *proven* money losers/creative failures. How Michael Green continues to get work is baffling, especially since he was the writer who did the heavy lifting on what was easily last year’s worst movie (Green Lantern).

scifi_fan • on Mar 22, 2012 12:51 pm

I’m really not sold on Blood & Chrome, I think they royally frakked up the casting of young Adama (which might be why SyFy passed on the series) but I know there’s an ultra-niche audience out there howling for more BSG. If SyFy won’t even do B&C as a digital series, Netflix should, as part of an overall rebranding effort to position themselves as the home of shows that you LOVE and that you cannot get anywhere on regular TV. They’ve got to do something unique to distinguish themselves from broadcast or cable.

Jen • on Mar 22, 2012 8:41 am

“Netflix.. Where TV shows come to die…again”

Leeroy • on Mar 22, 2012 8:55 am

This might actually get me to re-subscribe to Netflix. MIGHT.

kirads09 • on Mar 22, 2012 8:56 am

I dropped Netflix due to all the changes, fees, etc they began making. However, IF (and I think at this point it is a big IF) they DO pickup both Terra Nova and The River, that would cause me to rejoin.

Michelle • on Mar 22, 2012 9:18 am

How about a crossover of the new BSG and Legends of the Hidden Temple? It’s random enough where it’d fit right in at Netflix.

Al • on Mar 22, 2012 9:32 am

Oh dear is Netflix becoming the latest “dumb money” to get shafted by the content folks, so desperate they’ll buy anything? Looks that way.

LC22 • on Apr 27, 2012 8:42 am

lol im loving the tools that think they are tv gurus critizicing everyone that even hints at liking this show, you are everthing that is wrong with tv today

let me guess, you think glee is the greatest show on earth and consider 10 dollars a month enough capital investment to demand tailor made tv for yourself

dont like it , dont pay netflix is that simple, but i think its great that they are looking at shows outside the box

yes the writing could be a tad better, but the actors do a solid job , the main ones at least , and its an engaging series with a never before tried filiming model for a long running series

this is why i hate networked TV , its ruled by the archaic nielsen ratings , also what, if any , would you consider good tv series then ? seeing as you hate this one so much then i wanna compare to any other scifi series you watch…you do watch other scifi right?

liz • on Mar 22, 2012 9:35 am

I love this show i hope it get picked back up The River is such a good show. And if netflix picks up legend of the seeker to do new shows i will get netflix lol along with alot of other people

lsb • on Mar 22, 2012 9:42 am

There are a lot of shows on the networks that don’t make it in the precious 18-49 category. Or that viewers want to watch at THEIR convenience. I think eventually the only shows that people will want to watch are reality shows like American Idol, The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, and sports shows. No one wants to go to work and hear someone say oh did you see who won on AI last night? and your reply would be no I’m watching that tonight. lol

Netflix, is the future of television, networks are so last century, something created mid 20th century, in ABC’s case 1948.

scifi_fan • on Mar 22, 2012 12:53 pm

Good idea! The 50+ age group is ignored by advertiser-supported business but Netflix is not ad-supported so why should they care? 50+ has a lot of disposable income. And I bet they’d go for shows a lot more interesting than Golden Girls.

Reed • on Mar 22, 2012 9:42 am

The River is terrible.
NFLX is not going to buy that amateur hour!

Jugalarob • on Mar 22, 2012 9:44 am

Anyone who thinks the River has bad writers and a mediocore plot is out of there mind, and in my opinion, a total moron. Also, I highly doubt adding 2 shows to Netflix 100’s of TV Shows is going to bring it down, pretty simple conclusion, if you dont like it, dont watch it d-bags.

Alex • on Mar 22, 2012 9:54 am

Please don’t. Free Bruce Greenwood!

JWB • on Mar 22, 2012 10:18 am

What’s next? Will Netflix resurrect the XFL?

GM • on Mar 22, 2012 10:22 am

Cant believe the comments on this thread claiming to love this show. Who are these nuts? The writers? The cast and crew who worked on the show?

After watching the 2nd episode, I was over the camera work (especially scenes in the jungle where the camera coverage obviously wasn’t “found footage.” I was ready to give up on the show, but what kept me was that it was a short season so I wanted to see how the story ended (despite how much worse the story, acting, production progressively got as it went on). Well, I did stick with it to the end, and for that, I have no one to blame but myself. I guess I was just as nutty as those claiming to love this show. Maybe nuttier. By the end of the series, I was routing for the RIVER to swallow the boat and all of its passengers!

By the way, how is it the jungles of the Amazon River, our heroes werent confronted by any poisonous insects, snakes, crocodiles, frogs, etc that exist in the real world Amazon rainforests?

Netflix, have at this series if you want. Was gonna cancel my subscription anyway.

deering • on Mar 23, 2012 4:37 am

“…how is it the jungles of the Amazon River, our heroes werent confronted by any poisonous insects, snakes, crocodiles, frogs, etc that exist in the real world Amazon rainforests?”

Why am I not surprised. I only saw TR’s pilot, but there were enough folks winding up in the water for me to wonder when the Amazon became so piranha-free…

scifi_fan • on Mar 23, 2012 5:26 pm

It’s a myth that piranha jump on any person in the water and gobble them up. People in the Amazon frequently swim in piranha “infested” water perfectly safely.

Lcl33 • on Apr 27, 2012 8:45 am

lol what a tool, go ahead, im sure neither netflix nor i will really be affected by the loss of your 10 dollars a month

and thats not even speaking of the monumental stupidity of threatening to cancel over some netflix deccision that doesnt affect you in the least, seeing as in netflix YOU choose what to watch.

so even if netflix does pick it up, you dont HAVE to watch it and they dont lose a single cent for it, so why the hate?

the hate is just because you are another one of the clueless tools that think their opinion matters for a company dealing in figures of 7+ digits each month…